BRINGING the summer events on Barry Island to a close this weekend, the Barry Wartime Weekend looks set to be a festival of nostalgia with something for all the family.

Event organiser Ade Pitman explained: "Along with the daytime events being held at the Barry Tourist Railway there will be a special evening of 1940s nostalgia at the Barry Island Community Centre on Saturday evening.

The ‘Back to 43’ event will bring together three of the best 1940s entertainers in the country for an evening of forties nostalgia that is proving something of a hit with Barry's older generation who lived through the war years.

As event organiser I think that this is really sweet, as although it was a dark time in history people still have some good memories of the era, and the music brings these to life again.

Lead act, Paul Harper moved many onlookers to tears at last year's event when he noticed a veteran’s medal ribbon and immediately began playing a melody of songs for the gentleman that would have been popular through the Italian Campaign in which he fought.

The veteran was brimming with pride, and had become nineteen again; the age he was when he was a soldier.

Singing and dancing through the hits of the forties, Paul will be backed by his daughter, Natasha.

Former Barry Island Redcoat and ‘Care Home Idol’ nominee, Sandy Sparkle will also be returning to Barry. In my opinion, Sandy performs one of the best Vera Lynne tributes on the ‘circuit’."

Ade commented: "There simply won't be entertainment of this quality anywhere in South Wales this weekend, and I`m sure that our guests will appreciate this; and they'll know; as many will have seen the original performers in action."

Ade continued: "The Barry Wartime Weekend will be taking place at the Barry Tourist Railway and Barry Island Pleasure Park all this weekend.

Our life sized replica Spitfire will be taking pride of place in the Barry Island Pleasure park, along with stalls and some military vehicles, while Barry Island Railway Station will bristle with wartime themed displays and trade stalls. The Glamorgan Wartime Heritage Centre, located at the Station will open its doors, so that visitors can learn about the Vale's varied wartime history. The Barry Tourist Railway will also be operating a unique ‘Steam-Motor’ train."

Ade concluded: "The Barry Wartime Weekend aims to be a fun packed and educational event to bring Barry's summer season to a grand finale.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Barry Town Council, Spectrum Displays, Newydd, Needitcreated Ltd, Dow Corning, Premier Inn and John's Cafe for their generosity. Without this we wouldn't have been able to once more bring to the public this unique free community event.

I'd also like to thank this paper for their continued support of our events.

Advance tickets are still available for the ‘Back to 43’ party at a reduced price of £5, or £3 for OAPs. Tickets are £7.50 on the door There is a licensed bar and refreshments are available.

You can find out more about the Barry Wartime Weekend or the ‘Back to 43’ 1940s party by visiting the website at www.wartimeweekend.co.uk or by calling Ade Pitman on 07930 874161.